Hello. My name is Christopher Clanton. I grew up in Vancouver Washington, but now call Nederland Colorado home. I’m a licensed and experienced special education teacher and environmental educator that enjoys reaching our most at-risk and disabled youth. I’m a highly qualified Language Arts and Math Teacher (K-12). I could attempt to paint some accomplished picture of myself, but that just isn’t the leader I am. No matter what a person’s story is, I appreciate a level of honesty and responsibility when telling our story and when listening to the stories of others. For the purpose of this profile, let me share that I’m a father of two, and I regard myself as a personal and relational individual.
Recently, education activism has been calling to me. LandformEd is my effort to expand what I’ve learned about supporting the development of our most unique. As a professional I wish to impact the fields of public education, special education, environmental education, transpersonal ecopsychology, and transpersonal service learning. My years as a special education teacher, and as a mentor, has me well versed in our laws and the legal rights of young adults. I hold professionalism, respect, and ethics in the highest regard when supporting the learning of our at-risk and disabled young adults.
I regard myself as a perpetual learner. In a learning exchange, I honor what I learn from all my students and they seem to enjoy learning from me. My knack as an educator is reaching youth that don’t quite fit in socially, and with whom the public education system does not make sense. Being a special education teacher and a mentor to our homeless youth has given me a disturbing perspective of how inadequate our schools are for so many. As much as I am proud of my ability and expertise, LandformEd’s intention is to always keep learning, to never be so bold as to think we are doing all we can.
Coaching all ranges of athletes has highlighted my contributions as an educator. Competitive Basketball, Cross Country, and Track and Field are my favorites. As a coach I’ve always loved bringing special needs students into competitive athletic programs. In turn, I’ve enjoyed bringing competitive athletes into Special Olympics and community service opportunities. Studying and teaching Tai Chi and sitting meditation has been the foundation of my development. I’ve studied T’ai Chi, Tibetan Buddhism, and Transpersonal Ecopsychology through the Naropa University community of Boulder Colorado. At the same time, I love 4 wheel drive vehicles and dirtbikes! Strange right! 🙂 We know and study these mountains with a mind set of safety and respect and continuous support.
Clanton@LandformEd.com, PO Box 504, Rollinsville CO 80474